Introduction
The sports goods industry of India is nearly a century old and holds a prominent position in the global market. The industry has flourished, driven by a skilled workforce hence known for its role in creating employment and contributing to the country's economy. India currently manufactures more than 300 sports-related goods such as toys, video game consoles and articles, festive and carnival articles, gymnastics and sportswear goods, fishing articles, outdoor games, toys, etc. Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Maharashtra, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Jammu, and West Bengal are among India's top sports goods-producing states. Among these, Jalandhar City in Punjab, and Meerut City in Uttar Pradesh account for about 75-80% of the total production in the country. 60% of Indian sporting goods are exported and around 500,000 people are employed in the sports goods manufacturing sector in India.
According to a Deloitte-Google report, sports goods market was valued at US$ 52 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach US$ 130 billion by 2030, with a CAGR of 14%. There are seven significant sports goods manufacturing cities in India. Given their experience, Jalandhar and Meerut, two cluster cities for the manufacturing of sports products, host more than 38,200 manufacturing units, accounting for approximately 75-80% of domestic output. The majority of sports and fitness products are currently made by micro, small and medium-sized businesses (MSMEs).
The global sports goods industry is highly competitive owing to the presence of many established multinational players. Most of the production of sports goods is outsourced to the Asia-Pacific region, making it one of the world's largest sports goods manufacturing regions. India exported sports goods worth US$ 398.60 million in FY26.
Commodity-wise share in India's total sports goods exports (FY26)
Source: Department of Commerce
Export Trend
India's sporting goods export trend (US$ million)
Source: Department of Commerce
India's sporting goods exports were valued at US$ 106.68 million during April-June 2026, with the USA remaining the largest destination at US$ 36.15 million, followed by the UK (US$ 14.06 million) and Australia (US$ 9.93 million), highlighting sustained demand from developed markets. Other key destinations included Germany (US$ 6.53 million), Netherlands (US$ 3.93 million), Spain (US$ 3.53 million), France (US$ 2.85 million) and Canada (US$ 2.67 million), while South Africa (US$ 2.63 million), Sweden (US$ 1.90 million), Denmark (US$ 1.61 million), the UAE (US$ 1.57 million), Italy (US$ 1.54 million), Nepal (US$ 1.50 million) and Ireland (US$ 1.29 million) also featured among the top markets, reflecting India's broad-based global reach in sporting goods exports across Europe, North America and emerging regions.
Export Destinations
India's sporting goods exports reflected a broad-based global distribution during April-June 2026, with the USA remaining the dominant destination, accounting for a 33.88% share, well ahead of the UK at 13.18% and Australia at 9.31%. Germany (6.12%), Netherlands (3.68%), Spain (3.31%), France (2.67%) and Canada (2.50%) were among the other major markets, highlighting sustained demand across North America and Europe.
South Africa (2.47%), Sweden (1.78%), Denmark (1.51%), the UAE (1.47%), Italy (1.44%), Nepal (1.41%) and Ireland (1.21%) also featured among the leading destinations, alongside New Zealand, Belgium, Poland, China, Mexico, Vietnam and Greece, underscoring India's expanding footprint across developed and emerging markets alike.
Country-wise share of India's sporting goods exports (FY27 till June 2026)
Source: Department of Commerce
Government Initiatives
The Union Budget 2026-27 announced a dedicated initiative for sports goods manufacturing with an allocation of Rs. 500 crore (US$ 52.64 million), aimed at strengthening India's position as a global hub for high-quality and affordable sports goods. Key objectives include expanding domestic manufacturing capacity, promoting research and innovation in equipment design, advancing material sciences, and strengthening India's presence in global sports supply chains while generating employment across manufacturing and allied sectors.
India is strengthening its position in global trade and sports manufacturing through targeted policy support and rising export focus. The government has launched Rs. 4,531 crore (US$ 494 million) Market Access Support (MAS) scheme under the broader Export Promotion Mission to help exporters, especially MSMEs and priority sectors like sports goods expand into global markets through trade fairs, buyer-seller meets, and improved international visibility. At the same time, policy emphasis in the Union Budget 2026–27 highlights India’s ambition to become a global hub for high-quality, affordable sports goods, with dedicated initiatives to boost manufacturing, innovation, and exports in the sector. Complementing this, initiatives such as Khelo India, the Target Olympic Podium Scheme, and the proposed Khelo India Mission are strengthening sports infrastructure, talent development, and industry linkages, while increased public-private partnerships are expected to further accelerate the growth of India’s sports economy and global competitiveness.
For the development and exposure of Indian sporting goods, the Sports Goods Export Promotion Council (SGEPC) regularly arranges international and domestic trade events. The Market Access Initiative (MAI) scheme has been implemented to play a catalytic role in promoting and exporting Indian goods and services. The scheme for the remission of Duties and Exported Products (Rode) has also been implemented to support Indian exporters.
Market Development Assistance (MDA) Scheme
The MDA scheme works mainly to assist exporters in export promotion activities in the international markets. The scheme also assists the respective export promotion councils in undertaking export promotion activities for their products. Similarly, through this scheme, the government helps focus export promotion programs on international regions such as the LAC, Africa, CIS, and the ASEAN economies.
Market Access Initiative (MAI)
The main objective of the MAI scheme is to promote the export of Indian goods to international markets. Under this scheme, financial assistance will be provided to export & trade promotion organisations, national institutes, research institutes, exporters, etc. The parameters covered under the financial aid will be marketing projects, capacity enhancement, supporting statutory compliances, studies, research, project development, and supporting cottage and handicraft units in India.
Governing Body
Sports Goods Export Promotion Council (SGEPC)
The Sports Goods Export Promotion Council (SGEPC) acts as both a facilitator and promoter of India’s sports goods exports by supporting exporters with market access, information, and policy linkage. It promotes Indian products globally through participation in international trade fairs, buyer–seller meets, and overseas promotional campaigns, while also providing market intelligence, export data, and guidance on standards and compliance. At the same time, it serves as a bridge between the industry and the government, helping address exporter concerns and implement export promotion schemes, thereby strengthening India’s presence in the global sports goods market.
FAQs
India's sports industry manufactures over 300 sports-related goods, with 60% of production exported and around 500,000 people employed in the sector. Clusters in Jalandhar and Meerut host over 38,200 manufacturing units, driving India's sports goods export growth.
Gymnastics, athletic, outdoor, swimming and other goods led India's sports goods export basket with a 33.49% share in FY26, closely followed by toys, puzzles and recreational models at 33.33%. Festive, carnival and entertainment articles accounted for 22.74%, while video games, parlour games, billiards and casino articles contributed 7.76% of the sports industry's export mix.
Rising global demand for sports and fitness products, alongside a market valued at US$ 52 billion in 2024 projected to reach US$ 130 billion by 2030, is creating strong opportunities. This growth trajectory is expected to further boost India's sports goods export prospects internationally.
The majority of sports and fitness products in India are manufactured by MSMEs, forming the backbone of the sports industry. The Rs. 4,531 crore (US$ 494 million) Market Access Support scheme specifically supports MSMEs, including sports goods exporters, in expanding globally.
The Union Budget 2026-27 allocated US$ 52.64 million to strengthen India's sports industry, focusing on research, innovation and material sciences. These efforts aim to position India as a global hub for high-quality, affordable sports goods export.
Key programmes include the Union Budget 2026-27's dedicated sports goods manufacturing initiative and the Rs. 4,531 crore Market Access Support scheme. Together, these are strengthening India's sporting goods manufacturers and boosting overall sports goods export competitiveness.
The Union Budget 2026-27 initiative emphasises research and innovation in equipment design and material sciences to enhance product quality. This innovation focus is strengthening the Indian sports goods industry's position in global sports supply chains.
Jalandhar and Meerut together account for 75-80% of India's domestic sports goods production, hosting over 38,200 manufacturing units. These clusters remain central to India's sports goods export growth and overall sports industry output.
The Sports Goods Export Promotion Council facilitates international trade fairs and buyer-seller meets to connect Indian exporters with global buyers. Schemes like the Market Access Initiative further support marketing projects, helping sporting goods manufacturers expand their international reach.
With the global sports goods market projected to reach US$ 130 billion by 2030 at a 14% CAGR, India's sports goods export outlook remains strong. Continued government support through manufacturing initiatives and schemes like Khelo India is expected to further boost the sports industry.
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New Delhi - 110055
India
Tel.:+91-11-35007748 / +91-11-35007749
Email: mail@sgepc.in
Website: www.sportsgoodsindia.org
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